Your Frequently Asked Questions Are Being ANSWERED! (About Publishing, Querying, And If I Ever Sleep???)

For the first time in my small slightly rabid life, I am about to do a Frequently Asked Questions post.

FREQUENTLY. Do you see that?! Usually I am either (a) making up questions to ask myself because apparently I’m just that needy, or (b) just answering some random questions I’ve called out to the universe for! But this time it’s: FREQUENTLY. Because being an author means a lot of you have the same questions. Good questions! I will give good answers! Lmao complete lie I will most undoubtedly leave some troll answers. I’m just definitely feeling like I’ve made it as an author ok.

LOOK AT MY SONS

PS. That is not the final cover for TBWSH haha no. But I’ve been told it will be yellow!

Also my author copies arrived and I am 100% using this post as an excuse to show you my ultimate stacks.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES

I get asked this a lot. And I also go ahead and flap around nervously because THE ANSWER IS SO HUGE. I get inspiration from everywhere. I pull a book together from hearing a piece of music, reading a line out of a book, listening to someone say three words, writing something that means a lot to me, etc. etc.

Some of the influences for ATPN specifically are:

It’s a very very loose retelling of a classical composer’s life (can’t say who because it’s a spoiler, but you’ll know when you read it!)

Also “apparently” this specific composer was forced by a parent to play all night…

Also a small smoosh of a genderbent Cinderella in there (AUGUST IS PRINCE CHARMING)

I’m also a pianist, so I wanted to write about a musician!

I wanted to talk about low self-worth. I think it’s a devastatingly universal topic.

And, um…ok about 13% of the reason I wrote it is also because I wrote “COMPOSER RETELLING HIS NAME IS BECK” on a sticky note on my wall and picked it randomly amongst dozens.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YOU. PRETEND I HAVE A BETTER ORIGIN STORY.

CAN YOU SEND ME A REVIEW COPY?

You have to request via my publicist at Hachette Children’s UK! I’m not in charge of this and I’m not super rich so I can’t just send copies to anyone.

Also, when a book is out, usually now is the time to buy it! I know that’s not possible for everyone so: ask your library to order it in too!

WHAT IS YOUR DAILY ROUTINE AS A WRITER?

I actually don’t have one. I write in intense hits, instead of daily. But my average-sort-of-process-to-writing-a-book is:

Spend anywhere from 1 week to 2 years thinking up a novel idea.

Plot the WHOLE THING in my head like an epic movie.

Hate myself for all the explosions I put in due to dramatic soundtracks while plotting????

Get feedback from one or two betas or my sister if I cry enough on her and she takes pity on my pathetic soul

REWRITE / EDIT SOME MORE

Send to agent.

If she says yes we should submit it to publishers: moooore edits and rewrites!

Submission to publishers!

If I’m lucky enough to land a deal — GUESS WHAT MORE EDITS AND EDITS AND EDITS.

A little book, in your hand. And me, sobbing vaguely in joy and also slight deranged madness in the background.

HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT QUERYING FOR ATPN AND HOW DID YOU KNOW WHO TO QUERY?

So firstly: I didn’t query ATPN! I signed with my agent for a fantasy book that we submitted to publishers and it didn’t sell. ATPN was the second book I wrote and gave to my agent. (See?! You have more than one shot at these things!)

And secondly:if you’re asking things like “who do I query”, I’m not trying to be mean, but you NEED to do more research. You need to google and read up on the immense volume of advice that’s out there. I know it’s intense, but you need to do it. Don’t rely on other people to walk you through it, ok? It’s not particularly fair on them to do the work for you. If you want to be an author, you need to do the work yourself.

ARE WE EVER GOING TO GET [INSERT BOOK I’VE BLOGGED ABOUT IN THE PAST]?

Ok so the awkward part about being a blogger and now a traditionally published author is that I have talked about a heck of a lot about projects that you will never never get to read. I’m SORRY. There are so many factors, from (a) if I even like that book anymore, (b) if I’ve kind of reused parts of it in other books thus killing it bloodily, (c) if my agent thinks it’s a good idea?! (d) if publishers are looking for that kind of story, (e) etc. etc. etc.

So I currently have a 2-book deal. I have NO IDEA what will come next! I’m working on things™ and I can’t talk about them! So I won’t say “no” to anything OR “yes” to anything. Don’t you love me.

WAS A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES OR THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES MORE FUN TO WRITE?

Definitely TBWSH was more fun! As you know, ATPN is pretty dark and tense and the cute smoosh parts are brief. TBWSH has a lot of banter and shenanigans (BEFORE I TOTALLY RUIN YOU WITH THE DARKNESS) and there’s a big family in there…so the antics are madness and so so much fun.

I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU TO READ THIS AHHHHHHHHH.

WILL YOUR BOOK BE OUT IN AMERICA SOON?

For now the answer is no! This isn’t up to me. An American publisher has to want to buy ATPN from my UK publisher and so far no one has. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Book Depository has free shipping though and it is currently up on Amazon US(although they run out of stock quite fast sometimes?!)

HOW MANY AUTHOR COPIES DO YOU GET?

This depends on every individual author and what’s in their contract! I’ve just gotten mine and I got 20! Now 19 because my family seems to think they are fREE FOR ALL.

JUST KIDDING. I LOVE YOU MUM. THANKS FOR KEEPING ME ALIVE IN MY CHILDHOOD.

DO YOU STILL HAVE TIME FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH YOUR CAREER?

HAHAH JUST KIDDING.

I mean, I need to spend time with family so I can steal their habits and mannerisms, their speech and weird Sunday lunch stories because like how the heck else do you write.

WHY ARE YOUR BOOKS YOUR “SONS” AND NOT “DAUGHTERS”?

Because I’ve only written by boy narrators at this point so thEY ARE MY SONS.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ACTUALLY GET PUBLISHED?

Duuuude. There is no ANSWER FOR THIS! Some people take years. Others take (I’m not even kidding) 3 weeks to land an agent and a book deal. It’s your journey and it’s going to be different.

But for me:

It took 3 years to go from 1st draft to published novel.

It generally takes about two years from signing your contract to getting your book on the shelf.

If you sacrifice honey cakes and your least favourite sister to the fairies, maybe things will go faster.

HOW DOES BEING A PUBLISHED AUTHOR COMPARE TO WHAT YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE LIKE?

I actually had no idea what to expect. I mean, it ain’t all glamourous. Things aren’t smooth….there have been a lot of disappointments and hiccups in the behind-the-scenes of what I wanted my “perfect” publishing journey to look like. But hey me?!? Unrealistic expectations much?!

Also I never never realised just how freaking GOOD it would feel to hold your own book. To see it on shelves!! To have people saying they over it and it means something to them. And to make your editors cry. To have professionals in the industry ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR WORK.

UGH IT’S SO SURREAL AND INCREDIBLE.

WHAT’S YOUR NEW BOOK ABOUT AND WHEN IS IT PUBLISHED?

It is called The Boy Who Steals Houses and it’s out April 4th, 2019! You can read the proper synopsis on Goodreads but basically it’s about two homeless brothers who break into houses when the occupants are on holidays. Until one day it goes badly wrong…and they end up in a house with a huge noisy family. Genderbend Goldilocks retelling?! WHY YES.

It also features horrible decision making, #ownvoices autism rep, immense amount of sibling bonds, and the kind of ending you’re going to scream at me about. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

DID YOU HAVE MUCH SAY IN YOUR BOOK COVER DESIGN?

Nope! Total surprise for me and I freaking loved it.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES?

10 days for the first draft.

DO YOU EVER SLEEP?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES?

It is shiny

It is smol

It is mine

ADVICE FOR WRITERS WHO WANT TO PURSUE THIS AS A CAREER?

But if you want a book deal? DON’T. QUIT. It seems like the most cliche advice. But seriously! If your book fails? Write another! If you get rejected? Rework it. If you’re not good enough? Write and write and read good books and then write and write some more.

HOW DO YOU GET MOTIVATION TO FINISH WRITING BOOKS?

Holding a finished copy of your book is actually the most motivational thing ever. And I just WANT THIS?! I don’t know how else to explain it! I want it so so so much so there was no way I was ever going to quit or slow down.

WHY DID YOU USE GERMAN IN YOUR BOOK?

Again, because it’s based on a German classical composer’s life! I also had the amazing help of Maraia and Sebastian to make sure my German was, ya know…actually intelligible. My last name is German and my great-grandparents were German immigrants to Australia, but let me tell you: I GOT NOTHING STILL.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR UPCOMING NOVELS?

I caaaan’t say! Did you know I kept ATPN’s book deal a secret from you for like 16 months? Ya. So I can’t keep you 100% up-to-date on what I’m doing with my publishing journey, but so right now just know I’m working on various drafts, my agent and I have PLANS™ and my publishers * probably want to buy me a pocket dragon because they love me so much.

* This is a full lie.

WHY DID YOU BREAK MY HEART WITH A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES?

WHERE ARE YOUR BOOKS AVAILABLE?

In Australia, Europe and New Zealand = in bookstores! If it’s not, ask them to get it in.

Comments

Hi, I am waiting to get my hands on your book. It takes extremely long for books to be sent to South Africa, but I’m patient.
I’d like to find out if I can challenge you to a short story for your bloggers? A fantasy type short?

I have a prompt and I wanna see what direction you take this in. Also, if this sparks a full novel, I would be so happy for you!
Just let me know so this doesn’t become a spoiler thing for you…

Something that I’ve been wondering about is how you’ve gone with being published by a British house. Does it cause you any hiccups? Problems? Any perks? I’m just curious because I’m Aussie too and I am looking into agents and publishers at the moment, but I’m finding it difficult to find Australian agents who are looking for my kind of writing. So, basically, how’s the journey being published overseas (and is Polly Nolan also British?)

That mostly happened because my agent is British! I queried American agents too but mine was the only one who requested more.😂So it was just a sort of natural progression from there… I love it though! The only hiccups are timezones (like if I desperately want to ask my agent something, it’s usually 12+ hours till I can!) and my books keep getting lost in the mail coming here lol lol. I do think Australia is a bit thin in the publishing/agent world? And like, for me personally, I was worried getting published solely in Australia would mean my books never got overseas. I’m SO happy I got signed with Hachette because I’m instantly in Australia’s branch too!

Cait, I work in international rights department. Australian books are actually getting more and more attention internationally, with Liane Moriarty and Jane Harper being bestselling authors in nearly every country now. You should probably ask your agent a bit more about submitting your works to Australian and American publishers. I feel like more and more books are getting published in all three countries now.

I mean I’m obviously Australian but not technically an Australian author (if that makes sense) because my home publisher is in the UK. But it’s ok! I don’t want to talk too much about the details of my contracts online because it’s private haha, but there are other things happening contributing to why I’m not in America. My books are available in Australia though, with the Hachette Australia division.

This was such a fun Q&A! Though I do wonder why people keep asking the same questions? Like the question about it being published in America, I feel like you’ve already answered that a MILLION ZILLION TIMES! So basically, I would make a list of questions and then write – check out my debut page for these answers. Haha, maybe I’m just not so nice as you.

And I totally understand about blogging about writing but NOT publishing every project you talk about! I work on so many different project and there are some that are just a mess and publication is 2% possible. like my first novel???? 130,000 words on the first draft and 19 main characters? NOT HAPPENING. I’m not even querying it, haha! Even though I talked about it a TON on my blog.

I don’t even knooow tbh. 😂😂I mean, I don’t mind, although some are a little wearing. Like I get asked “when are you publishing your book in India/Malaysia/the US/etc etc” at least ten times a day and it gets a bit frazzling because NONE of those are my decisions! But I know just because I answered it once, doesn’t mean everyone saw it.😂So hopefully I can link people to this post lmao. I should put these on my ATPN page too.

And exactly!! Like I have books that are really dear to me because I learned to write with them, but noooo way are they publishable.😂Omg I have like a 6-book fantasy series with a million characters and unpronounceable names and it is IN THE DRAWER FOREVER. But I’m still glad I wrote it!

This was entertaining though I’ve been reading program social media enough to sorta know it all already. . . My questions: do you see yourself being an author for the rest of your life? Do you think you’ll ever do anything else? Also, how Mich time each day do you spend on your social mrdia– do you think it’s an essential part of being a modern writer?
I’d say my writing I sporayion comes from what I learn, especially what I learn through osmosis
Also, my desire to impose my very correct opinions on the world (more like: explore the things I care about in a nuanced way,for my benefit and possibly that of others)

Writing is pretty much all I want to do.😂I mean, it always definitely depends on the industry though…whether I can sell more books, whether they make enough for publishers to keep wanting me, whether I keep getting ideas etc. etc. And for me, I think social media played a REALLY big part! Like if I wasn’t on instagram or friends with a few book box people, I don’t think I would’ve gotten ATPN featured in a box, which was amazing for publicity. And I constantly have people say, “I wouldn’t have picked up a contemporary if it wasn’t you writing it!” So having a set up audience has definitely done wonders too. I’m really lucky!

I SO SO LOVE ATPN AND I THINK I’VE SAID THAT A HUNDRED TIMES ALREADY BUT I DON’T CARE. I’m also very excited for your next book because I’M SMELLING A LOT OF FUN BANTER. AND SIBLING GOALS. AND I LOVE LOOSE RETELLINGS. AAAAH I’M SO PROUD OF YOU CAIT I CAN’T STOP USING ALL CAPS.

I CAN’T THINK OF ANYTHING TO ASK YOU SO I’LL JUST SCREAM OVER HERE.

I’m mostly just a reader and I only do blog writing. My sister is the writer and I can see her writing struggles. She also always disturbs me from my reading to read her drafts and I want to turn her to ashes when she does that but I also want to help her because what if she gets published?? I WANT TO SEE MY NAME IN THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. HAHAHAHA I’M SUCH A GOOD LIL SISTER.

PFFT, DON’T WORRY RAIN, IT NEVER GETS OLD TO BE TOLD SOMEONE LIKES MY LITTLE SMOL SON. *sends you all the cake* 💕😍😍 ALL CAPS ARE ALSO MY LANGUAGE SO WE’RE GOOD. *SCREAMS COMPANIONABLY WITH YOU*

Oh that’s awesome that your sister writes!! You can charge her to read it. :’) Juuust kidding. (Ok seriously don’t let my own sister see I wrote that or she’ll get ideas to charge for reading mine. She kept complaining how much it costs to buy ATPN. 😂And I’m like, “Woman. Support me.”)

Congrats on having FAQs lmao
And honestly your process is so relatable xDD
My favored novel-in-progress has been an idea in my head for about 2-3 years now and I’m at the point where I can see every scene in my head like a movie (It’s a good movie imo, lotsa angst and pining and sAVING THE FRIGGIN WORLD). Although this has caused a problem, because there’s another part of my brain that’s just like “Okay, now that you know what happens, you don’t need to write it”
Thus… I haven’t really added anything to that novel in months ://///

And a lot of my inspo comes from books I read (That novel-in-progress I was talking about? 100% inspired by Marie Lu’s Legend series and changed so much that it’s almost unrecognizable), and then from there I typically find music that fits the story and furthers my inspiration (one soundtrack is 65 songs cri). I have Pinterest aesthetic boards, quotes, blurbs. Just about anything to keep the idea going.

I TOTALLY relate to the movie problem!! And also how some things are just better imagined than written down?! Like, pls @ me stop writing explosions and people jumping off things. IT’S BETTER ON THE SCREEN. *cries* Also I hope you get back into writing!! Sometimes it’s hard, but also sometimes we have to force ourselves a bit, right?

IKR? How am I supposed to write the epic motorcycle chase scene to look like THAT when it looks like a friggin action movie in my head smh
Thanks. I’ve been trying to force myself to keep going, but it’s hard :/

I can’t wait to read ATPN! And TBWSH o.o I am one of seven kids so I think I’ll relate to that book a lot 😛 Also, I’m so impressed with how long you kept your contract a secret! I feel like that would be the hardest part of being an author–having to monitor what you tell people and keep stuff secret. *shudders* But on that note (hehe see what i did there haha) what would you say the hardest part of being a published author is?

Ahh I seriously can’t wait for some other people-from-big-families to read TBWSH and tell me what they think. 😂 I have so many snarky comments on it in the background happening and it makes my LIFE. The only thing I forgot to do is the dad always calls the kids by the right names…and pfft. That’s unrealistic. My mum calls me by 3 sisters and then the dog’s name before she finally gets to mine.😂

It WAS hard keeping the secret! Especially because I was asked constantly by my friends/blogger followers, “CAIT WHEN WILL YOU PUBLISH” and I was just lying the whole time with, “Not sure!” 😂 I’m so sorry to everyone eternally. I’m pretty sure my mum told the post man though…

I think the hardest part of publishing, as a debuter, was not really know what was happening next or how things worked? Also the actual waiting to get the deal. Like will they offer? Won’t they? It’s HUGELY tough on your confidence.😂😂

Have you done a post about the editing and publishing process? Nothing too in-depth. I would just like an idea of how it goes, you know? Fascinating AND preparing myself for the future (I’m a writer and also going into publishing myself).

Also, do you think writing would be a realistic full-time job for you, or do you work on the side? Is that way too personal? You can ignore that one!

I did link to the one about the publishing process! I didn’t go into depth about editing with my actual editor because I’m not sure if I can? Plus that’s always SO different depending on what editor/house/even country you’re in! That’s awesome you’re going into publishing! It’d be such a rewarding career I think. :’)

I do freelance work on the side but I have some health issues which means I don’t hold down an average job. I’m hoping I can live off writing properly someday, but that’s a wild dream.😂

ONLY ONCE…can you believe.😂Actually no wait, when I tried to lift the whole lot back on myself, I dropped like half of them.😂They’re actually super slippery??? Or maybe they hate me and are trying to get away. I can never know.

You didn’t answer why did you break my heart with ATPN! That’s what I need answered! WHYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! Also, can you do it again? I mean you have another book coming and apparently the ending will make us sad so now I’m anticipated a book I know will absolutely crush me, book dragon things.

Also these post are so much better now that I’ve actually read your baby! I managed to read it during my ceremony where we chose our factions and maybe I can smuggle a copy into the maze cause those boys need something to read and I need something to read during our annual Hunger Games.

Ok but can I ask if you’ll ever get a fantasy book published at some point in the future? Are you going to pull a Rainbow Rowell and write only contemporaries and then make one of the fictional books in those a real book like Carry On?

BECAUSE I CAN, FRANK. THAT’S ALL THE ANSWER I HAVE. *catches halo as it slips* I will definitely do it again though. Possibly every time I write a book. The world is so so welcome.

I’d love to pull a Rainbow Rowell and become like, famous. 😂😂So let me put that on the to-do list. (JOKING, JOKING…) And hey I would *like* to write fantasy someday, but a lot of it depends on what I can sell and what publishers might like from me. So fingers crossed?!

Now I am doing intelligent Googling to try to figure out who this composer could be…I went through a stage in my childhood when I read books and things about the lives of classical composers so I think I have an idea? But maybe I am completely wrong. I’ll have to find out I guess. And hey, I also play piano! So that’s fun!

Even though it’s not coming out for another year I am SUPER SUPER excited about The Boy Who Steals Houses because I am from a large crazy house that ought to be stolen probably and it just sounds all-around awesome. 😀 😀

I honestly don’t know where I get inspiration from these days. Sometimes music, sometimes TV shows, usually me looking at a trope I love and going “okay what if this but this.” All my characters and plots run together because apparently my brain is obsessed with MAKING ONE GIANT STORY THAT HAS EVERY POSSIBLE PLOT, THEME, AND CHARACTER IN IT and I’m just like “NO THAT’S NOT HOW IT WORKS; PICK ONE PLEASE.”

I sit around inside a lot these days which is NOT good for my brain. I do way better when I’m super busy and running around. I need school to start, apparently.

Congratulations!!! I haven’t been following this blog as long as some people, but it’s been super fun to watch you go on this journey. (I sound like a parent or something…)

Ah haha, well you will know for sure when you read ATPN!😂And that’s awesome you play piano too! I mean I am wildly NO prodigy, but I always really used to enjoy playing. :’) And eeeep, it makes my daaaaay that you’re excited for Houses too! It’s making me ridiculously excited to know it’s going to be read someday soon. 😍😍

I do that with TV shows too!! It’s the “oh but what if that happened instead…” threads that are SO exciting. 😍

Awww you are SO NICE THOUGH!! And I totally appreciate your commenting and flailing with me over this writing journey!! *collapses in excitement*

Ack! I can’t wait to read The Boy Who Steals Houses!! Brothers and banter and big families and a very worrisome ending?? It sounds so amazing <3
Your stack of A Thousand Perfect notes is so BEAUTIFUL. I can't imagine how amazing it would feel to have this stack of gorgeous books that are your very own children. *cries*
My inspiration for writing comes from all kinds of random places. The story I'm currently working on was sparked by about five seconds of showing some random nameless background characters in a TV show so…. yes that happens. Another story was inspired by a dream I had in which I was a mutant who was locked in a display case in a clothing store and then Charles Xavier showed up and asked me to help him find Magneto. The actual story has nothing to do with any of that, but somehow it gave me the idea for it?? I'm still confused.
AH, I love that part of the reason you wrote ATPN was because of a random sticky note you wrote 🙂
I write lots of random notes for myself, but sometimes I can't remember later what I meant by them. It's problematic. I have a library receipt with, "You know the usual rules." scrawled on the back. I'm intrigued, but I have no idea what I meant by it? Did I have any idea for the context, or was it literally just a random quote??

I AM SO GLAD YOU’RE EXCITED BECAUSE I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK. There is so much snark and dysfunctional arguing. So therapeutic to write. :’) 😂

And omg the stack of ATPN is making me LIVE. They’re so shiny and perfect. Actually super slippery too and I wiped out my face a few times but eh. I do these things for the sake of the author life. #Martyr

I totally get that with the background characters too! Like I’ve had ideas just from seeing the tiniest thing in a movie/book and my brain going: “BUT WHAT IF THAT WENT LIKE THIS.” and boom. A story. Also that’s epic you get inspired by dreams!! I can never remember my dreams.😂Also my ATPN origin story is not…super…exciting ah ahhha, but hey at least I’m honest. :’)

Oh and I’ve done that with notes.😂I think I did one like “And then the murdered person was alive” and that was IT. Like, ok Cait. Is this zombies?? Is this a trick?? Nothing makes sense??? go take a nap???

A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES IS SO PRETTY AND I STILL CAN’T GET OVER THAT. And I only have a teensy bit of buyer’s remorse, having got the Kindle version. But I had to choose between more paperbacks or getting a divorce, and the latter would severely cut into my book budget, so … I guess I’m stuck with him and buying ebooks. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I’m so excited for TBWSH now! I didn’t know you had another one coming out next year!

As for where I get my writing inspiration, it’s totally from devouring the souls of my enemies. Erm … I mean, life. Yeah, that’s it. There are definitely no blood sacrifices involved.

AHHH SAMMIE, THANK YOU.💛💛And honestly there are too many books we need to buy in our lives, right?! 😂every bookworm kind of just needs a goldmine and a separate room just for all their books.😂 And aww, so happy you’re excited for TBWSH!! I will start talking about it more often when it’s closer to release date too.😂

Of coooourse there are no blood sacrifices. *shoves axes under the bed*

About recycling bits of projects to use in other projects: YES!!! I do that all. The. Time.
I have two tiny sketching notebooks that someone gave me that are really too tiny to be sketched in; I use them for writing down ideas/snippets of things people have said that I found funny/randomness.
By the way, I just finished The Raven King this morning! That series was . . . wow.

It’s so useful right?!? Like I can have a book that is 90% bROKEN but then I’ll pull one plot point out of it and glue it in a new book and it wORKS.😂Perfect. And that’s awesome you handwrite some notes!!

Also ahhhHHHHaaaHHHH THE RAVEN KING!!! ISN’T IT GLORIOUS?! Perfect but also feels stabbing. 😭💛💛

Wow I am overwhelmed just reading about your process. (And filled with admiration because goodness that is A Lot.) I really like seeing the behind-the-scenes of the authoring (is that a word? Google says it is…) process even if it is TERRIFYING and INTIMIDATING. Do you have any best/worst parts of the book-creation process that really stand out?

Aw I don’t mean to be too terrifying and intimidating haha! I mean writing is a big thing, but you don’t work on it ALL at once. It always comes in biteable pieces, which is a relief.

Ohh I really like developing new stories. 😍Like when it’s all still fresh in my mind…and then outlining is super fun! Worst parts are always (a) wondering if the story is any good haha and getting feedback for the first time, and (b) doing deep edits where you have to cut and restitch scenes into different places and not totally mess up continuity. 😭😂

Maintaining continuity sounds like a huge challenge when it comes to cutting out scenes… I guess that’s where the “all writing is rewriting” comes in? Anyway. Congrats on your book(s)! I really like the cover of ATPN. I don’t know much about TBWSH but I do really like your Pinterest board for it…

August is indeed Prince Charming 🙂 she was adorable. (I still can’t get over her hurt foot.)

“Thinking up a novel idea” to me sounds just like UTTER MAGIC. You could be sitting there in a pointy hat and reciting incantations (actually, I think I’m going to keep imagining it like that. It looks cool.)

I really can’t wait for the next one 🙂 April is so far away!! And I already can’t wait for your third one, whenever that happens 😀 it’s so absolutely exciting to KNOW SOMEONE who published a book and know you’ll go to a bookstore AND POSSIBLY FIND IT. It’s like. THE COOLEST.

You know, if I find it in London, you totally know what’s gonna happen. Actually, I will ask the store assistant. And then I’ll be like HEY MY FRIEND WROTE THIS XDDDDD

I know I knoooow she should’ve been wearing shoes. 😂 But Beck legit SAID IT TO HER. (Also I just realised Dante from Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets Of The Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz never wore shoes!! AUGUST’S SOLE MATE.)

Hiya, Cait!
This is Nikki Rizzo.
First of all, I have to apologize. You asked me a question, and, being a girl with ADD and the internet, I got distracted and never answered!
Patricia Highsmith is a fabulous author who writes very dark, amazing stuff! I would say her stuff is in the “adult” category, but I started reading her at 13 (she’s been around for a loooooong time!). She wrote ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (don’t see the movie, it doesn’t do the book justice) and ‘Strangers on a Train’ (see it! See it!)
You should definitely read her!

Ok, second: thank you for sharing what inspires you (and all of the rest of your answers)! I am a visual person, I get inspiration from people watching (I make up ludicrous stories about them), and from photographs. Is that cheating, do you think??
Take care, and enjoy your journey!
Nikki

Your synopses sound INTENSE, but I guess if you have an outline that detailed writing the first draft would be a breeze? Any outlines I write are usually 1-3 pages with vague notes like “INCLUDE SOME CONFLICT HERE” or “maybe something romantic happens???” and then I figure out the rest as I go.

So do you ever pitch ideas to your agent before writing the synopsis and/or draft so you don’t waste time on a project that may never go anywhere? Or is it typical to write something more concrete before you’re able to pitch? It just seems like it’d be so disheartening to plot and outline and draft only to pitch and have your agent go “mmm, maybe not.”

Honestly they ARE intense, but I am a very very intense person. 😂 (Surprise! Not…😂) But it actually makes things so much less stressful to get to writing every day and have zero fear of the blank page because I’ve got the next scene fully bullet-pointed out. I also outline via scenes, so I tend to like copy and past my outline scene section to my scrivener page and then just fill it out. I wouldn’t say it’s “easy” looool because I don’t know what i’m doing, but it’s definitely not as daunting for me as a blank page!

And okay so truthfully: I HATE pitching.😂I pitch really badly, even if my ideas are good. (Well *I* think they’re good lmao.) Ultimately I should pitch = then write, and sometimes I do. But sometimes I make sure I love the book enough to want to pursue it so I write = then pitch. And yeah it is disheartening to work on something and get the no. Hence I’m supposed to pitch first.😂

THE BANTER IS SO STRONG IN TBWSH. I have a basic houseful of kids who snark at each other 100% of the time. :’)

I always wonder what it’s like to have a published book and sadly a lot of authors don’t like talking about it?? Idk some give me this “I am a god and pop books out randomly” vibe and it drives me nutssss!!!! I loooved reading this Q&A, Cait! It’s so awesome to hear what it’s like to be published from an awesome author in an awesome way. 🙂

Looool!!😂 I guess not a lot of authors are also bloggers?! and honestly I NEVER SHUT UP. 😂 So you all get to suffer with me talking about this so so much. hehe. And thank you for reading! And also supporting my blog and my work. It means an absolute ton. 😍

Cait, I love this! Sadly, I haven’t gotten around to reading your book yet!!! 🙁 I have plans too, I have the book on my shelf, but I haven’t picked it up and read it! Hoping to start it by the end of the week! Have a great day!

Great post, Cait! It’s so cool that you’re now getting FAQs! You should have a little drop down thingy from your About tab that links to this post! 🙂

I have a question! But it’s also probably one I’ll ask in my interview, if you’re still up for it? I’m reading your book now, so it wouldn’t be long before I got the questions to you. Though I know you’ve been massively busy, so no worries if not.

But my question is: What research did you do for A Thousand Perfect Notes? And bonus: Did you find out anything interesting?

I should actually!! That is a GREAT idea. 😂I mean not that people tend to search out FAQs specifically before asking me for the 948 time if my book is in America yet (I’m sorrrrry everyone😂). But I should link it anyway lmao.

And of course I’m still up for the interview if you want to have me! I will be HONOURED.

(Although honestly I didn’t really do that much specific research for ATPN.😂It was mostly stuff I’d gathered over the years + the music is all personal. I did research the life of the composer though. :’) Keverich is Ludwig Van Beethoven’s mother’s maiden name!)

I JUST GOT MY COPY AND IT’S SHINY AND NEW AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH (and rn I’m waiting for my other book shipment so that I can take all my bookstagram photos!!). IT IS CURRENTLY SITTING ON MY SHELF and when I got it, I just stared at it for like a minute because it’s sO WEIRD seeing things that you’ve only seen on the Internet in real life, so I can’t even imagine what authors feel when they see their book in print for the first time!!

I’M SO HAPPY, HANNE, DID I MENTION YOU ARE THE BEST RECENTLY?!? BECAUSE YOU ARE.💛💛💛 And omg can I admit it’s still weird for *me* looking at it and being like “wow yeah I wrote that after whining about wanting to be published for so many years”. 😂😂

C. G., your blog will soon be added to our Actually Autistic Blogs List (anautismobserver.wordpress.com). Please click on the “How do you want your blog listed?” link at the top of that site to customize your blog’s description on the list.
Thank you.
Judy (An Autism Observer)

YESSSSS I love seeing all these author copies! And I’ve also really liked seeing your books in bookshops! (I’m like ‘I know that author’ and quietly think about my claim to fame. I would also love to buy you a pocket dragon if your publishers don’t come through on their promises. I’m really excited to finish ATPN, I’ve heard the ending is really good or maybe really terrible, sources vary XD
Is the fantasy novel you query (or any of your fantasy novels in general) ever going to get published? (Or maybe you don’t know). Did publishing a contemporary make you a bigger fan of writing the genre? Is there any crossover between ATPN and TBWSH?

Omg you make me smile, Shar ahh! Thank you!! 😂 I still have yet to see it in a store?! Hopefully in two weeks time when I go to the city ahhh!!

The original fantasy that I signed my agent for? Nope.😂That’s trunked. But I’d like to think maybe one day I’ll be able to sell a fantasy (although it’s a bit out of my hands tbh). And I’ve always liked certain types of contemporary, so I think being able to write them has sparked my love of the genre more for sure!

And YES. Much crossovers between ATPN and TBWSH. They’re set in the same town and mention the same school (yep Beck’s awful school😂) and there’s a band reference and also a glitter reference.😂

A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES IS SO PRETTY AND I STILL CAN’T GET OVER IT! This is such a lovely Q&A Hun – I can’t believe you wrote the first draft for ATPN in 10 daysssss :0
Oh and if you could publish ten more novels right now the world would be grateful thank yoooooooooooou 🙂

I get inspiration from super random places too. A lot of the time it’s music, sometimes it’s other books/quotes from other books, tv show lines, movies….I’m kind of like a sponge that sucks everything I read/watch/hear and internalizes it to see what ideas it can bring to me.

Yes yes! And like it’s never ONE thing! So I find it hard to answer the “what inspired this book” because like…do you have time for the 50+ something list, peoples?!😂😂It’s amazing too how all these things can collide (a line from a song! A photo we saw! A thought from a book!) and make something unique and all our own. 😍

HAHA I cannot stop laughing at you struggling to hold all of your twenty (nineteen?) author copies with your hands!
I seriously hope an American Publisher buys it and if not this one – your next book because um…goldilocks retelling? SIGN ME UP!

Also, I’m still waiting for your book to arrive which totally freaking sucks but in the mean time, I’m reading They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera despite knowing that it’s totally going to freaking break my heart, which will then be smashed to pieces once I read your book (on the basis of all the reviews I’ve read heh heh).

Fingers crossed America decides to love me?!? Eeee. 🙈🙈 It is a DREAM to be published over there too! And ajfdkslad I’m so excited for you all to read my Goldilocks book, I swear it’s about stealing houses but also STOLE MY HEART. 💛

And omg They Both Die At The End is amazing and uNKIND ON THE FEELS. Reading Adam Silvera books is like karma to my own ahhh ha ha. *sobs*

Is blogging different now that you’re a published author? Has it changed the way you review other authors’ books having been on the other side of it now? Genuinely curious, as another blogger with authorial aspirations! As for my writing inspirations, I guess it’s mostly from the authors I read, like I wrote about how I was worried This Is Not A Love Story was too close to Empire of Storms at times because I was reading that book whilst I was writing it! I also love the way Rick Riordan and Derek Landy do dialogue so I think I’ve taken a lot of tips on how to write snappy, engaging dialogue from reading their books. And obviously I’m hugely inspired by Victoria Schwab and I like to think you can see that in my writing, though I might be wrong!

It has made me not actually WANT to do negative reviews. I’m gutted receiving them (especially from people I know 😔) so yeah that’s changed. I’m not going to go around saying I love every book, but I don’t want to talk about negative ones anymore.

Is it just me, or do your favorite things about A Thousand Perfect Notes play a parallel to someone else’s favorite things about a certain ring? (You’re Smeagol and a Thousand Perfect Notes is your precious-hoard the book, love the book). Suggestion: Make posts answering the questions that you can’t answer, but then redact everything so that all we’re left with are a few and’s and the’s.

Hi Cait! (My name is also Kate! Just spelled differently, as you can see.)
I just stumbled upon your blog and your books a few days ago, and first of all, congratulations on both of your novels!!
I was curious — did you publish any short stories or any other kind of writing like that before getting a book published, or was ATPN truly your publishing debut? 🙂
(Also, this is kind of random – but did you/do you have a Pinterest account? I was really active on there as a high schooler and used it as a big writing tool, and I’m pretty sure I followed you. If that was you, how amazing that you’re now a published author!!! If that wasn’t you, oops, sorry lol.)
I can’t wait to get my hands on your books!

ASDFGHJKL!!! This post was SO MUCH FUN!! to read!!! I absolutely loved it! I’m not quite to the querying phase yet, and the thought of actually querying people is TERRIFYING because SCAMS!!! and REJECTIONS!!!! and FAILURE!!!! But I’m also really excited to try it… That is if I don’t keel over dead before I finish my book. Aha. XD

The Boy Who Steals Houses sounds absolutely AMAZING!!!! I need… And it even comes out in April!!! Which is like my second favorite month of the year… ALSO!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS, CAIT I ACTUALLY HAVE ATPN ON MY BOOKSHELF BECAUSE I GOT IT FOR MY BIRTHDAY AND ASDFGHJKL I AM SAVING IT FOR A REWARD AFTER I FINISH MY CURRENT DRAFT!!!!! I am so excited. It’s going to be amazing. I am preparing to cry. Also the cover is GORGEOUS and I think I died the moment I opened it up and saw the butterfly. It’s like 10 billion times more beautiful in real life. 😭😭😭😭😭

YOU’LL GET THERE!! IT IS SCARY BUT WORTH IT!! And sticking to it is the hardest part I think!? like the self-doubt gets in and blehhh. But it has to be done! And afjdkslad I’m so happy you’re excited for TBWSH. My little soft sad book. 😍 And omgggg I’m so happy you’re going to read ATPN, thank you thank you!!